Tomatoes are worth eating mainly because they contain lycopene. It is an organic chemical compound with an antioxidant effect. Eating tomatoes significantly reduces the risk of a heart attack, improves digestion, strengthens immunity, and protects against the harmful effects of the sun! Why else is it worth eating tomatoes?

Tomatoesare very he althy vegetables. They owe their properties to a natural red dye, i.e. in short - lycopene is behind everything that is he althy in tomatoes. It is the most powerful antioxidant of the carotenoids group. Interestingly, it does not die in heat treatment over time! In preserves, there is even 2-3 times more of it than infresh tomatoesh. As an antioxidant, lycopene delays the aging process as it neutralizes free radicals. What else do we owe to tomatoes?

Tomatoes - he alth properties

      • Tomatoes prevent atherosclerosis

Tomatoes owe their anti-atherosclerotic properties to the acid contained in them, which in liver cells intensifies the oxidation of fatty acids and inhibits the accumulation of triglycerides in them. The pectins contained in tomatoes also lower cholesterol. Lycopene is also beneficial for the heart.

      • Tomatoes have anti-cancer properties

Men who eat tomatoes regularly are up 34 percent. less likely to develop prostate cancer. There is also research proving that lycopene reduces the risk of cervical cancer.

      • Tomatoes have a diuretic effect

Tomatoes have a diuretic effect that lowers blood pressure because they are extremely high in potassium (237 mg per 100 g). The high potassium content also has a positive effect on the work of the heart.

      • Tomatoes improve immunity

Thanks to the high content of vitamin C, a tomato weighing 180 g covers more than half of the body's daily requirement for this vitamin. To avoid loss of vitamin C, do not combine (e.g. in salads) tomatoes with raw cucumbers, which contain an enzyme that destroys it.

      • Tomatoes aid digestion

Tomatoes regulate the digestive system thanks to fiber.It is also in pits that should not be removed.

      • Tomatoes improve the functioning of the nervous system

Tomatoes have a positive effect on the nervous system due to the bromine content.

      • Tomatoes beautifying

Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels and improves oxygenation, vitamins A and E moisturize the skin and have an anti-wrinkle effect. Cosmetics containing tomato extracts lighten discoloration and soothe acne lesions.

      • Tomatoes protect against the sun

Lycopene neutralizes harmful processes caused by ultraviolet radiation. Eating tomatoes regularly provides natural sun protection.

Tomatoes versus sun-dried tomatoes

Sun dried tomatoescontain more lycopene and other nutrients, especially fiber. Fresh tomatoes contain 1.2 g of this nutrient valuable for the digestive system. In turn, dried tomatoes contain approx. 13 g of fiber. They also contain much more minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

Especially the latter element is present in large amounts - about 3,400 mg / 100 g. For comparison - fresh tomatoes contain 237 mg / 100 g of potassium (source: National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference).

Tomatoes - calories, nutritional values ​​

Tomatoes are helpful in fighting overweight. 100 g of tomatoes is only 18 kcal. Onemedium tomato weighs approx. 180 g, which is approx. 32 kcal(kilocalories). Tomatoes are one of the vegetables rich in water (94%), therefore they perfectly quench thirst.

Tomatoes have a lot of vitamin C. A large fruit (about 180 g) covers the daily requirement for vitamin C in 60%. It also contains a lot of vitamin E (25% of the daily requirement) and beta-carotene - strong antioxidants, i.e. substances invaluable for our he alth that neutralize harmful free radicals.

Tomatoes contain B vitamins (they have a beneficial effect on the nervous system), including vitamin PP (affects the metabolism of sugar and cholesterol in the blood), and vitamin K (has anticoagulant properties). Tomatoes are also rich in mineral elements. One of the most important is potassium, which, thanks to its diuretic effect, lowers blood pressure. Tomatoes also provide calcium, magnesium and iron.

You will also find micronutrients rarely found in food products, such as manganese, copper or cob alt.

Nutritional information of raw red tomatoes(in 100 g)Energy value - 18 kcal Total protein - 0.88 g Fat - 0.20 g Carbohydrates - 3.89 g (including simple sugars 2.63) Fiber - 1.2 gVitamins

Thiamine - 0.037 mg Riboflavin - 0.019 mg Niacin - 0.594 mg Vitamin B6 - 0.080 mg Folic acid - 15 µg Vitamin A - 833 IU Vitamin E - 0.54 mg Vitamin K - 7.9 µg vitamin C - 13.7 mg

MineralsCalcium - 10 mg Iron - 0.27 mg Magnesium - 11 mg Phosphorus - 24 mg Potassium - 237 mg Sodium - 5 mg Zinc - 0.17 mg

Data Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference

Tomatoes with cucumbers - for and against

Combining tomatoes and cucumbers in one salad is not the best solution - the enzyme present in cucumbers kills the vitamin C contained in tomatoes. It has a protective effect on vitamin C, and additionally increases the absorption of lycopene from tomatoes.

Tomatoes and preserves

An important place in our diet should be sauces, ketchups and tomato concentrates. They do not match the vitamin content of raw tomatoes, but they perform much better in terms of the amount of easily absorbed lycopene.

During thermal treatment, some chemical bonds are broken, as a result of which lycopene is transformed into a compound that is much easier for our body to absorb. The level of lycopene in the blood after eating tomato preserves is 2-3 times higher than after eating fresh tomatoes.

Tomatoes - who shouldn't eat them?

People with gout and rheumatoid arthritis should not eat too much tomatoes. Unfortunately, tomatoes can cause heartburn and can also be allergenic. They must also be considered by those who suffer from heartburn.

If you have a sensitive digestive tract, peel the tomatoes (it comes off easily after baking). The same should be done when giving them to people with chewing problems. Tomatoes can cause allergies. Nursing mothers should avoid their mothers, and children should be introduced to their diets gradually - this will reduce the risk of allergies.

Tomatoes: red, yellow and green

In addition to red tomatoes, yellow and green, unripe tomatoes also appear in our kitchen. In terms of vitamin content, yellow is just as valuable as red, although there is a little less valuable lycopene in them. However, we should be very careful with green tomatoes.

They do not contain as many nutrients as matured ones, but they contain much more tomatin, which is a harmful alkaloid. It is activatedespecially after sprinkling vegetables with vinegar. This is why eating significant amounts of green tomato salad with vinaigrette can cause migraines. Such sensations will not be caused by preserves made of the same green tomatoes. Tomatin loses all its harmful properties under the influence of temperature.

Tomatoes - species

They have similar nutrient content, but differ in shape and taste. These are the ones that we can most often find in shops and bazaars:

  • Round ground. The most popular species. They have a lot of juice. The tastiest ones are those grown in the open air. Greenhouse hothouses can taste a bit bland. Perfect raw and cooked. Best for preserves.
  • Dwarf. They are usually sold in clusters. They have a very intense flavor and a lot of juice. They can be prepared in different ways.
  • Raspberry. The greatest of all. They have a firm flesh and a lot of juice, as well as a mild and sweet taste. Delicious raw, but you can also make preserves.
  • Bull's hearts. They are distinguished by their oblong shape and very hard flesh. They are also less juicy than other tomatoes and contain fewer seeds. The taste is similar to raspberry, but less aromatic. They are perfect for salads and preserves.
  • Cocktail party. The smallest of tomatoes. They are red, orange or yellow. They are mainly used for decoration.

Watch the video - homemade dried tomatoes. Recipe from the restaurant Focaccia Ristorante

See the gallery of 10 photos

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